Storm Bebinca wreaks havoc in Thailand

A school is flooded in heavy rain in Thailand (Photo: bangkokpost.com)

Bangkok (VNA) – Thai authorities said on August 17 that people in 11
villages in northern Thailand’s Nan province had to leave their homes while a
resident was electrocuted on August 16 after storm Bebinca made landfall and
caused heavy rains and flash floods in the country.

Rainfalls were measured about 158-200mm in some districts. Downpours made water
levels in several rivers rise to the alert level of 4.5 metres, resulting in
breaks in some places. A number of schools had to shut down as they were 50cm
under water.

The provincial authorities said they have been prepared to deal with rains,
floods and landslides. Previously, in late July, eight people in the province were
killed in a serious landslide caused by heavy rains.

Thailand’s meteorological agency warned that storm Bebinca will cause downpours
in several highland areas in Thailand, resulting in flash floods on August
17-18.

Earlier, the storm landed in Vietnam, causing heavy rains in many provinces and
cities. Then it moved west to northern Laos and will be weaken into a low
pressure on August 18.-VNA